Fenella J. Miller Read Free Page A

driver to come round at once.’
    Mr Anderson turned to stare down at her. ‘You’re not what I expected, Miss Roberts, but as long as you are as good as your references, I shall have no complaint.’
    He turned his back on her and she felt an urge to poke out her tongue in a childish gesture. It was hardly her fault she was tired, and travel worn, or that she was tall and thin. She had not expected to be greeted with open arms, but neither had she expect to be dismissed so summarily.
    She felt Molly tugging at her sleeve. ‘Miss Roberts, he’s a fine looking man, isn’t he? A bit of tartar, mind, but I like a man who knows what he’s doing, don’t you?’
    Cassie looked at her maid in astonishment. Molly was barely sixteen years old, when had she acquired such decided preferences about members of the opposite sex? She frowned, hoping to prevent the girl from further indiscretions which might be overheard by her formidable employer.
    ‘Enough of that, if you please, Molly. Remember your place, I have no wish to hear your opinions on such a matter.’
    Molly giggled, obviously not impressed at her attempt to be firm. Her lips twitched and she had to bite them to prevent herself joining in. A handsome carriage rolled round from the rear of the inn and of groom jumped down to open the door and pull out the steps. Mr Anderson climbed in leaving Cassie and Molly to follow. She was reminded forcibly that a governess did not warrant the courtesies of a wellborn lady. A gentleman would never have got in front of her , of that she was certain.
    The interior of the coach was dark, for which she was grateful. She had no wish to be stared at and found wanting. The journey through the darkness took over an hour and the past twenty minutes had been after they’d entered through an imposing pair of wrought iron gates. They were obviously in the carriage of a wealthy man with a large estate.  She just hoped his staff were more welcoming.
    Ann had explained to her in great detail that a governess was above the servants but not quite one of the family. She would be expected to dine with them, but not attend dinner parties and other social events unless it was to make up the numbers. However she must not fraternise below stairs, although taking a dish of tea with the housekeeper would be acceptable occasionally. This meant that unless Mrs Anderson employed a companion, she would be isolated, neither fish nor fowl.
    Cassie straightened her shoulders, feeling to check her bonnet was straight. The wheels crunched over gravel and then the vehicle halted with a jolt. Instantly the groom appeared at the door. She smiled, unless her employer was prepared to trample over her, this time she would descend first.
    It was hard to see the size of house she was to live in for the next year, but if the wide marble steps and pillared portico were anything to go by, this was a substantial and very modern property. She knew that governesses entered by the front door so she waited politely for Mr Anderson to step past and lead the way. The front door was open and bright candlelight spilled out in a golden arc.
    She carried her reticule, leaving Molly to stagger behind with the two carpetbags. The trunks would be transported to whatever space she’d been allocated. Stepping into the house she gazed around in wonderment. The hall was so large you could almost hold a ball in it, she decided. The black-and-white floor gleamed with loving attention and a magnificent pink marble staircase curved up to a gallery in which she could see the wall sconces were lit.
    A grey-haired woman, hair scraped back in a severe bun, dressed entirely in black, glided forward. ‘Miss Roberts, I am Mrs Green, the housekeeper. You are considerably later than we expected, so I have had a tray left for you. If you’ll follow me, I shall conduct you to your rooms.’
    Cassie looked round, but the tall dark man had vanished leaving her to make her own way. Well, that was only to be